I tried my hand at predicting the Round of 16 results, and actually got seven out of eight correct. Only a penalty shoot-out in the very last match prevented a perfect score.

Tomorrow the quarter-finals begin, and it is time for another attempt. This time, however, it is becoming difficult! Still, one might as well give it a go. The worst that can happen is being laughed at, and that is not something that bothers me.

9 July, 22:00: France v Morocco

This could have been a match between the defenders and the invading forces. But the Moroccans have already succeeded in their invasion of France, and it is difficult to discern even a trace of Frenchness in the French national team, which consists largely of Africans.

France nevertheless have an excellent side, led by superstar Mbappé. Morocco, meanwhile, field a leading figure who has been accused of rape.

I believe – and hope – that France will win. They will then meet the winner of Spain versus Belgium in the semi-finals.

10 July, 21:00: Spain v Belgium

I simply cannot imagine Belgium beating Spain, so this is an easy prediction. Spain advance to the semi-finals.

11 July, 23:00: Norway v England

This is the duel of all duels. Haaland and Kane stand on opposite sides.

Haaland versus Kane – a showdown that could decide a World Cup quarter-final. Illustration: Per Sørlie.

The outcome is impossible to predict, but fortunately we have emotions as well as a few crumbs of common sense!

And we remember previous victories over England, such as when we knocked England out of the 1982 World Cup at Ullevaal, where I was in the stands. Bjørge Lillelien secured his place in history as an NRK Radio commentator with the following famous outburst.

“There goes the whistle! There goes the whistle! Norway have beaten England 2–1 at football! We are the best in the world! We are the best in the world! (…) England – birthplace of giants. Lord Nelson, Lord Beaverbrook, Sir Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, Clement Attlee, Henry Cooper, Lady Diana… Maggie Thatcher, your boys took one hell of a beating.”

This was followed by Wembley in the 1990s, when Kjetil Rekdal produced a historic and magnificent goal that helped Norway qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

Norway continued the following year by defeating England 2–0 at Ullevaal.

I therefore expect Norway to humble England, but the boys will have to perform at a far higher level than they did against a weak Brazil side. Sørloth and Nusa should start on the bench; they simply have not performed well enough at this level.

Everything, however, depends on Haaland, and perhaps Ødegaard, who is showing signs of finally coming to life. And, of course, we must not forget our goalkeeping hero Nyland!

12 July, 03:00: Argentina v Switzerland

Switzerland have come undeservedly far in this tournament, but against Messi & Co. their journey ends. Messi will score at least one goal, and Switzerland can start booking their flights home.

The most difficult match to predict is, of course, Norway versus England, which could become a close and bruising encounter. But, as I said: sometimes it is perfectly acceptable to admit that reason cannot help you. At such times, it is often just as good an idea to trust your feelings!